Recorders have been traced back to 14^th century Europe and are popular worldwide today. They've been crafted out of glass, plastic, silver and various woods including boxwood, rosewood, maple, and ebony. Also known as a 'flauto dolce', which literally translates to sweet flute, the recorder's beautiful tone hypnotizes even the most weary of travelers. First used as a gentle instrument to softly blend with an ensemble of various acoustical textures including the lute, it now holds its own as a well-respected solo instrument.

For a more extensive history, try:
www.americanrecorder.org/
www.recorderhomepage.net